Virgin Music Group's Acquisition of Downtown Gains European Commission Approval

Virgin Music Group's Strategic Acquisition

In a significant move within the music industry, Virgin Music Group (VMG) has received the green light from the European Commission for its acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings LLC. This approval paves the way for an exciting collaboration between two leading forces in music services and technology, enhancing their respective capacities to serve the independent music community worldwide.

On February 13, 2026, VMG and Downtown announced this pivotal news, marking a critical milestone in their journey. The European Commission's nod signals that all regulatory requirements have been met, and the deal is anticipated to close in the coming weeks.

Strengthening Independent Music

With this acquisition, Virgin Music Group and Downtown are set to create a global, comprehensive solution tailored to meet the diverse and evolving needs of independent artists, entrepreneurs, and rights holders across various stages of their careers. The merger is expected to provide an expansive and flexible suite of services, ensuring that artists have access to the necessary tools for success.

The combined offerings will encompass essential areas such as digital and physical distribution, marketing, business intelligence, royalties, synchronization, and publishing rights management—a suite that caters to a wide array of independent music professionals.

Originally founded in 2007, Downtown serves over 5,000 business clients and more than four million creators across 145 countries. This expansive reach is complemented by core divisions in Artist & Label Services, Distribution, and Music Publishing, including brands like FUGA and CD Baby. Post-acquisition, Curve Royalties will be managed independently until its eventual divestiture, ensuring a smooth transition during this transformative phase.

Vision for the Future

Nat Pastor and J.T. Myers, Co-CEOs of VMG, expressed their enthusiasm regarding the acquisition. They emphasized that Downtown’s exceptional team will enhance VMG's offerings, providing greater flexibility and a sharper set of services for independent creators. By merging two culturally aligned companies with complementary strengths, VMG aims to create a more powerful and inclusive ecosystem for independent music entrepreneurs.

"Joining forces enables us to offer essential resources, investment opportunities, and technologies tailored to the unique needs of independent artists," the Co-CEOs stated. They also conveyed appreciation for the thorough review conducted by the European Commission and expressed eagerness to welcome Downtown as a valued partner in empowering the independent music community.

Pieter van Rijn, CEO of Downtown Music, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative potential this acquisition brings. He noted that the partnership would contribute to a more diverse and dynamic environment, amplifying the cultural impact of the unique creators they serve. The drive towards greater independence and creativity will be at the forefront of their initiatives moving forward.

A New Chapter in Music

As the landscape of the music industry continues to evolve, the merger of Virgin Music Group and Downtown Music represents a forward-thinking approach to enhance service provision for independent artists. Both companies share a commitment to championing independent music and fostering a vibrant artistic community. This acquisition is poised to not only strengthen their respective positions but also redefine how independent artists engage with the music business.

In conclusion, the approval from the European Commission marks the beginning of a transformative era for both Virgin Music Group and Downtown Music Holdings. As they navigate this new chapter, the independent music community can anticipate promising developments that prioritize their unique needs and aspirations. With combined expertise and resources, VMG and Downtown are set to significantly impact the global music landscape.